-
Zucchini Fritters
I see those photos from your gardens and the zucchini are still coming in. So this is the third installment of the Zucchini Trilogy – Zucchini Fritters. We had these quite a bit during the summers growing up. I am not sure why they left my mind, because I loved them even as a kid. I really haven’t met a fritter I didn’t love, sweet or savory. These little gems are fairly simple, but they make a great side to any dish, or they are a great, light, vegetarian summer dinner all on their own. The fritters are fairly healthy also, with just a little bit of flour and cheese,…
-
When in Doubt, Bake
Our family is especially fond of rhubarb, that strange vegetable/fruit that looks like prehistoric celery. Technically, this is rhubarb season, though it doesn’t grow well here in North Carolina. About this time of year, my mom makes rhubarb freezer jam for our families. It is a family favorite and the only jam my father can safely eat, as he is allergic to most fruits. When we lived in the Midwest, rhubarb was plentiful and fairly cheap. Now we have to special order it through a fruit wholesaler. But it is well worth it. If you would like to know how we make the jam, you can find my blog post…
-
Fried Green Tomatoes
I love tomatoes in every shape and form from cherry tomatoes to big fat heirloom tomatoes – eaten raw, served on salads, and sandwiches like the classic Tomato Sandwich, and cooked in sauces. Most of these forms of tomato-goodness are simple to create at home. But one type of tomato, the Southern specialty Fried Green Tomatoes, has always intimidated me. I love them in restaurants, served as an appetizer or on a sandwich with bacon and pimento cheese. But I have never been brave enough to try them at home. Until now. Incidentally, it’s origins are not originally Southern. What?!? Yep, apparently the origins of the recipe can be traced…
-
Last Taste of Summer
This weekend is Labor Day, the unofficial last hurrah of summer. Some lucky folks may be making a break for the beach, while others might be enjoying a family cook out. However people choose to celebrate the weekend, I am sure many people will be enjoying the last tastes of summer while they still can. One final treat to enjoy before the summer’s really over is sweet corn. Here in North Carolina, we are at the end of the season, but it is still plenty tasty. My girls still have braces on their teeth, so we haven’t had much corn straight off the cob in over a year, but it…
-
Tomato Season
I have just returned home from another great mission trip to New York City. I had a wonderful time and that city wins over more of my heart each time I am there. But I got home just in time to catch the peak of tomato season at the farmer’s market. There are so many beautiful, delicious varieties right now, it’s hard to control my tomato-lovin’ self. While vine-ripened regular tomatoes large and small are all great right now, this is really the time to savor heirloom varieties. So, what’s all the hype with heirlooms? Are they really better and worth the higher price tag? My personal opinions is that…
-
Granola Clusters
My youngest daughter has decided to give swim team a try this summer. She is spending an hour every weeknight in her happy place, and our first meet is just around the corner. Swimming burns a lot of calories and burning all of those calories requires lots of snacks, but not just any snacks. You need something that will help you maintain energy but not melt in the heat on the pool deck. Granola and trail mixes fit the bill quite nicely. If you are a Costco fan like me, you may have tried their bakery-fresh granola clusters. They are delicious, chewy clusters of grains, nuts and dried fruits. They…
-
The Best Barbecue Burger
Memorial Day is, of course, a day to remember those who have served our country, and given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. But it has also come to be generally recognized as the kick-off to the summer season. In our area, this means almost the end of the school year, outdoor pools are officially opened, and grills are brought out of hibernation. Just in time for the holiday weekend, I thought I would share one of our family favorites. It’s actually my husband’s “recipe” – for what has come to be known as a “Mitch Burger”. It is really more a method or technique than a recipe, but it…
-
Classic Pasta Salad
I love pasta salad. I really haven’t tried one I don’t like. I love how versatile it is and I love that it is great by itself or as a side to almost anything, like hot dogs, hamburgers or even sandwiches. Pasta salad is infinitely easy. I like to cook my pasta the bare minimum of suggested time, so it stays a bit more firm and doesn’t just turn to mush when the dressing absorbs into it. Then you can use whatever veggies you like, add a bit of protein if you like with cheese or ham or salami. Add some spice or keep it smooth, the options are endless.…
-
Liquid Sunshine
Spring is one of the major reasons my husband and I moved to North Carolina. When we met, dated and married, life for us was in chilly Minnesota. Then a beloved friend moved to NC and began to tell me about this thing called “Spring.” She would email me photos of trees in bloom – in March. What?! Sunshine, flowering trees and green grass in Spring – in March?! We were immediately won over. Now that we happily live here, Spring still continues to be one of my favorite seasons in the South. (And yes, North Carolina is the South.) The days are starting to get longer, the sun shines…
-
Saving Summer Flavors
One of the best parts of the end of summer is fresh, juicy corn on the cob. We love to eat it fresh in season, but it’s also wonderful to get a bunch to freeze for the winter months. I am blessed to live next door to my Mom, who still has enough energy to do such things. Recently, we purchased corn specifically for freezing and I took notes to share the process with you. The most important part is picking the best corn in the first place. This is actually more difficult than you would think. Every year we get corn from the state farmers market and every year…
